Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar vs. Durock Sea Glass
An in-depth look at the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar and the Durock Sea Glass switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, enthusiasts often find themselves drawn to options that offer distinct tactile experiences and sound profiles. The Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar is celebrated for its smooth, reliable performance and cost-effectiveness, making it an appealing choice for both casual users and gamers alike. This linear switch delivers a satisfying, poppy sound profile, providing an enjoyable typing journey without any distracting clickiness. On the other hand, the Durock Sea Glass switch series stands out not only with its visually captivating pastel colors but also by offering a unique typing experience characterized by its distinct dryness and wispiness, yet impressively smooth operation. With a 62g bottom-out force that gives a sensation of weightlessness, the Sea Glass switches feature a hollow sound signature that beautifully complements their frictionless nature. While the Everfree Cedar prioritizes reliability and cost-effectiveness, the Sea Glass leans more towards aesthetics and an airy typing feel. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
55g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
62g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
P3+
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Double-staged spring
Spring
Gold-plated
Housing materials
The Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar and the Durock Sea Glass switches exhibit distinct differences in their top housing materials, resulting in divergent sound profiles that cater to various user preferences. The Everfree (EF) Cedar features a polycarbonate top housing, known for its rigidity and translucence, contributing to a sharper and crisper sound response. This material's stiffness is key to enhancing clarity, making it particularly favorable for RGB setups due to its ability to transmit light effectively. In contrast, the Sea Glass incorporates a unique blend of polymer nylon and UHMWPE for its top housing, which yields a less sharp, yet brighter sound profile. This combination emphasizes pleasant tonal qualities, steering clear of the piercing characteristics often associated with stiffer plastics. Thus, users aiming for clear auditory feedback may prefer the Everfree (EF) Cedar, while those seeking a more balanced and gentle sound might opt for the Sea Glass.
Focusing on the bottom housing, both the Everfree (EF) Cedar and the Durock Sea Glass utilize nylon—although the Sea Glass is coupled with UHMWPE, creating a unique polymer blend. The nylon bottom housing of the Everfree (EF) Cedar contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature, which absorbs sound waves more effectively than harder materials. This characteristic results in a rounder and less pronounced bottom-out sound, which is ideal for users who prefer a muted auditory experience under their fingertips. Conversely, the Sea Glass's nylon and UHMWPE blend also promises a pleasant sound experience; however, it strikes a balance between fullness and brightness, making it versatile across different typing styles. Consequently, while both switches incorporate nylon, the Everfree (EF) Cedar leans heavily into the deep and subdued realm, whereas the Sea Glass garners a bit more brightness.
Ultimately, the combined effect of the top and bottom housings in both switches offers unique sound profiles driven by their distinct materials. While the Everfree (EF) Cedar excels in producing a more pronounced, resonant sound due to its polycarbonate top and nylon bottom, the Durock Sea Glass provides a brighter yet round sound experience via its polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend across both housings. The interaction of these materials shapes the final auditory and tactile experiences, ensuring that both switches attract diverse user preferences based on desired sound characteristics. As such, users seeking a sharper sound may gravitate towards the Everfree (EF) Cedar, while those looking for a pleasant blend of brightness and depth would find satisfaction in the Sea Glass.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar linear switch and the Durock Sea Glass linear switch, there are notable differences in their actuation forces that cater to varying typing preferences. The Everfree Cedar features an actuation force of 55 grams, making it heavier than the Sea Glass, which has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams. This difference suggests that those who favor lighter switches for extended typing sessions or gaming may find the Sea Glass more comfortable. However, the Everfree Cedar's unexplained bottom out force leaves an incomplete picture for potential users regarding how it performs when pressed fully down. In contrast, the Sea Glass has a defined bottom out force of 62 grams, indicating a medium level of resistance at the end of the keystroke that may appeal to users looking for a more substantial typing experience. Overall, while the Everfree Cedar is heavier in actuation, the Sea Glass provides a smoother, lighter initial press with a clearer understanding of its bottom out force.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar linear switch and the Durock Sea Glass linear switch, a notable difference emerges. The Everfree Cedar has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, whereas the Sea Glass extends slightly further at 3.8 mm. This means that the Everfree Cedar is the shorter option, providing a more responsive feel that can be particularly appealing for gamers seeking quicker keypress reactions. In contrast, the Sea Glass, with its longer travel distance, might cater to those who prefer a deeper, more deliberate keystroke. Both switches fall within the recent trend of varying travel distances but serve different preferences: the Everfree Cedar for those who enjoy a snappier response and the Sea Glass for users who favor a more substantial feel when typing.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar has an MSRP of $2.99 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Everfree (EF) Cedar for $2.75.
The Durock Sea Glass has an MSRP of $5.80 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Sea Glass for $4.87.
Here at Milktooth, we offer the best prices on switches (on average, 27% lower the competition). In addition, we offer free shipping on orders over $49.00. We also offer free returns and exchanges, so you can shop with guaranteed satisfaction.
That said, while price is an important piece of the puzzle, our opinion is that you should ultimately pick the option that most suits your unique preferences since you’ll be using these switches for years to come. In other words, finding something perfect for you is, in our view, the most important criteria.
Typing experience
In terms of sound, the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar switch produces a satisfying, poppy sound profile that users often find engaging and lively. This characteristic can offer a pleasant auditory feedback during typing sessions, adding a tactile element to the overall experience. In contrast, the Durock Sea Glass switch has a uniquely hollow sound signature, which can be perceived as more mellow and airy. While the Everfree Cedar leans towards a punchier sound, the Sea Glass offers a softer, more subdued auditory experience, creating a different ambiance for the user. Keep in mind that the final sound produced can be influenced by the board and keycaps used, so the overall soundscape will vary depending on those components.
Regarding feel, the Everfree (EF) Cedar switch stands out for its smooth and reliable typing experience, making it approachable for most users. It provides a pleasant tactile sensation without overwhelming resistance, allowing for comfortable typing sessions. The Durock Sea Glass switch, on the other hand, is characterized by its remarkably frictionless action, resulting in an effortlessly smooth experience when pressing the keys. This switch is not only mild and easy to press but also embodies a feathery touch that minimizes finger fatigue, making it an appealing option for long typing sessions, be it for gaming or work. The combined attributes of the Sea Glass promote a light and airy feeling while typing, contrasting with the Cedar’s dependable yet slightly more traditional linear experience.
Taking everything into consideration, both the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar and the Durock Sea Glass switches provide engaging typing experiences, each with distinct sound and feel characteristics. The Cedar offers a poppy auditory feedback and a reliable, smooth feel, while the Sea Glass switch presents a unique, hollow sound profile and an exceptionally light and frictionless typing experience. Depending on personal preferences regarding sound and tactile feedback, either of these switches can cater to different types of users, allowing newcomers to find what feels best for their typing style.
Conclusion
To sum up, choosing between the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar and the Durock Sea Glass linear switch ultimately hinges on your personal preferences for typing feel, sound, and responsiveness. If you are looking for a smooth, reliable, and cost-effective option that prioritizes an accessible typing experience with a pronounced sound profile, the Everfree (EF) Cedar might be the ideal choice for you. It delivers a satisfying, poppy sound while offering a gentle keypress that does not tire your fingers during long typing sessions. On the other hand, if you’re drawn to a more unique aesthetic and prioritize a distinctively airy and lightweight feel with a touch of dampened sound, then the Durock Sea Glass switches would be an excellent option. With their captivating pastel colors and a performance characterized by exceptional smoothness, these switches offer a delightful balance between ease of use and tactile feedback, making them suitable for both casual and intensive typing. Therefore, assess what attributes resonate with your typing style and preferences to make the best choice for your mechanical keyboard experience.
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